Millions of unsuspecting Americans are injured in motor vehicle crashes every year. While no one wants to be involved in a Missouri car accident, there is only so much you can do to avoid them. Safe driving habits might reduce your risk of suffering an injury in a crash, but nothing can eliminate the risk entirely.
Because there is no way to guarantee that you will avoid a wreck, the next best thing is to know exactly what to do after you have been in one. Knowing the steps to take after a car accident can help you, your passengers, and other drivers involved in a crash get the help they need. Motor vehicle accidents can result in injuries that may not be immediately visible, so seeking medical attention is crucial.
What to Do After Getting Into a Motor Vehicle Crash in Missouri
If you are driving on a Missouri road and get hit by another vehicle, you should try to remember the following steps:
Knowing what to do after a car crash is crucial. Taking photographs following the accident can be vital evidence to bolster an insurance claim.
STEP ONE: TRY TO REMAIN CALM
After getting hit by another driver, it is all too easy to let our emotions take over. But as with any emergency, one of the best things you can do is remain calm. Panicking is not helpful for anyone and puts you at a greater risk of saying or doing something you might later regret.
Be sure to avoid aggressive behaviors such as shouting, name-calling, or physical violence. Allowing your emotions to get the best of you can distort your decision-making skills or prevent you from obtaining the medical care you need. Instead, try to focus on staying courteous and providing the authorities with accurate information.
STEP TWO: REMAIN AT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH
Check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid if you are able to do so. Notify emergency services immediately of the incident and any known injuries. If visibility is low due to bad weather or lighting conditions, turn on your hazard lights, or use reflectors or flares to warn other drivers. Motor vehicle drivers in Missouri have specific responsibilities, including the necessity of liability insurance and adherence to safe driving practices.
Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident before law enforcement officers give you permission to do so is a crime in the State of Missouri. You can remove damaged vehicles out of the roadway to prevent additional accidents, but otherwise, do not move them unless permitted by a police officer. After an accident, the other driver’s insurance company may seek a recorded statement from you, so it is crucial to consult an attorney to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.
STEP THREE: SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
After a car accident in Missouri, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being by seeking medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be apparent until days or weeks after the accident.
Seeking medical attention serves several purposes:
- It ensures you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries, which can help prevent long-term damage or complications.
- It creates a medical record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim.
- It helps establish a link between the accident and your injuries, which can be crucial in determining fault and liability.
When seeking medical attention, be sure to:
- Provide your doctor with a detailed account of the accident and your injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and care.
- Keep a record of your medical expenses, including bills and receipts.
By seeking medical attention, you can ensure you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries and protect your rights in the event of a personal injury claim.
STEP FOUR: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT SCENE
Documenting the accident scene is a critical step in building a strong personal injury claim. This includes:
- Taking photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gathering contact information from witnesses, including their names, phone numbers, and addresses.
- Noting the time, date, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
- Collecting any physical evidence, such as broken glass or debris.
By documenting the accident scene, you can:
- Create a visual record of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Identify potential witnesses who can provide statements about the accident.
- Gather physical evidence that can help establish fault and liability.
When documenting the accident scene, be sure to:
- Take clear and concise photos of the accident scene.
- Gather as much information as possible from witnesses.
- Keep a record of any physical evidence you collect.
By documenting the accident scene, you can build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim and protect your rights.
STEP THREE: EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION AND INSURANCE COMPANY DETAILS
Exchanging information with the other drivers is crucial after a car accident. If you were involved in an accident, be sure to collect the following information from the other involved parties:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance policy information
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number
This information is necessary to process your claim successfully. Additionally, securing an official police report and documenting the accident meticulously can significantly facilitate the insurance claims process. Maintaining thorough documentation, especially medical records, is essential for linking injuries to the incident and seeking compensation.
STEP FOUR: REPORT THE ACCIDENT
Missouri requires any accidents that meet all of the following criteria to be reported to the police:
- The incident occurred less than one year ago.
- At least one uninsured driver was involved in the accident.
- It resulted in bodily injury or over $500 in property damage.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the time limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri, as timely legal action is crucial.
You will also need to report the incident to your own insurance company. When discussing the crash with the involved parties, stay calm and avoid discussing:
- Fault: Avoid giving any apologies or admitting to being at fault for any part of the accident or blaming another driver. There will be a comprehensive investigation to uncover all of the facts about the crash.
- Injuries: Do not say that you are okay or discuss how you feel. It is common to go into a state of shock after a crash, which can mask injuries. Jumping to the conclusion you are uninjured could prevent you from recovering fair compensation for your damages.
Make sure you see your doctor for a complete medical exam to identify your injuries and any treatments you may need. Documentation of your injuries and medical treatment is important for your claim.
After a Kansas City Car Accident, Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury attorneys have represented thousands of clients in Kansas City and nationwide. We thoroughly investigate our clients’ accidents to determine fault and ensure we understand the full scope of their damages. Filing an insurance claim is a crucial step in seeking legal representation and potential compensation. Over the years, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients’ damages, including pain and suffering, medical bills, and loss of income. Maintaining thorough medical records is essential for building a strong case, as they link injuries to the incident and provide critical proof in legal claims.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, you may fill out a contact form or call our office at (913) 451-3433.